Cozumel is known for a great many fun ways to spend your day, including time relaxing at the beach or pool with a drink in hand. The El Cozumeleño resort is one such offering, and it has quickly risen to the top of my favorite places in Cozumel for a beach break.
After first visiting over a year ago, I wanted to check back in to see how well it stacks up these days.
Overview
El Cozumeleño sells day passes [link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra!] to its resort that can be purchased online, and it offers guests unlimited access to the resort grounds, food, drink and activities.
The hotel is located on the north end of Cozumel, and is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from where Royal Caribbean docks its cruise ships at the International Pier. The posted price for 1-4 people to get to El Cozumeleño is $16.
Once you arrive at the resort, you will check-in and receive a welcome drink. It should be noted that a form of payment and identification will be kept at the front desk during your stay.
Towels are available to rent for an additional charge ($5 per towel).
The resort itself is sprawling, with two pool areas, a long beach, and multiple dining venues to enjoy.
One of my favorite features of the resort are the hammocks near the beach, which are not only extremely comfortable, but a prime napping spot.
During our visit, a storm had passed through the area the night before, so the ocean was a bit more stirred up that on my previous visit. The result was the surf was quite strong and the beach a bit worse for wear. Throughout the day, the resort staff worked to clean and reticulate the beach.
By far, the pool area is the primary focus of the resort. While many visitors enjoy time at the beach, the resort's pools are as massive as they are lovely to see.
The pool has a variety of depths, and the north end pools are much shallower and welcoming for younger children.
Your day pass is good from morning through the afternoon and into the early evening, so breakfast and lunch are part of the admission fee.
Your day pass includes:
- Beach access
- Pool access, with swim-up bar
- Chairs & Lounge Chairs
- Unlimited food
- Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
- Non-motorized water sports including snorkeling equipment & Kayaking
- Children ́s activities center
- Children’s wading pool
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service in lobby
There is a large buffet dining venue between the two pool areas that serves meals and snacks throughout the day.
In the morning, the buffet features typical breakfast fare, along with an omelet station.
At lunch, the offerings change to a traditional Mexican lunch with grilled meats and vegetables available on demand.
In addition to the sit down options, waiters are happy to bring food and drink to your chair by the pool or beach as you need it. The wait staff roam the grounds and regularly check if you need anything else.
The food menu is a mix of Mexican favorites and American food. Ceviche, pizza, salsa, guacamole, quesadillas and more are available and unlimited too.
Likewise, there is a good assortment of beverages to enjoy. The selection of beer and liquors is limited in terms of brands (Dos Equis beer, and typically one type of liquor).
Comments
When I visited El Cozumeleño in 2018, I loved the balance of price, offerings and service, and it seems like the resort maintains that equilibrium quite well.
There are no shortage of great day pass resorts in Cozumel, so what makes El Cozumeleño stand out is the ample space, good food and drink, along with attentive service.
The resort looks great, and it feels like a step above your average resort. It is no Ritz Carlton by any means, but the staff do a great job maintaining it.
Some of our readers have reported during busier times of the year (popular holidays), chairs go quickly and are often claimed by resort guests earlier in the day. While I have not experienced this in my two visits, it is worth noting if you plan a visit over a holiday season.
At the time of our visit, the price was $69.00 per adult and $40.00 for children aged 3-11 years old (2 and under are free).
